MRT management to study proposal to extend operation hours

The management of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Thursday said it would study the proposal to extend for two more hours the operation of its trains.

"We will study the proposal given the changes in the current MRT-3 ridership profile as compared to when the extended hours was tested in the past," the MRT-3 said in a press statement.

It, however, noted that the suggestion would require additional working hours for train personnel as well as additional electricity costs.

"Please note that while we echo our pledge of providing a quality, fast, and reliable service to our commuters, we also need to consider that our two-decade old trains need to have sufficient time for preventive maintenance works," the MRT-3 said.

According to MRT-3, preventive maintenance works for trains have been squeezed into four hours.

"We wish to stress that a regular and efficient preventive maintenance works help ensure smooth train operations, as well as prevention of unloading incidents and service interruptions," it said.

The House Committee on Metro Manila Development proposed to extend the operating hours of MRT as well as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains amid the demand on its services even during late hours at night.

The MRT currently operates until 10:30 p.m. while the LRT operates until 10 p.m.

Commuters have expressed support to the proposal, saying that it will also make commuting across the metro safer. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News